Former high school and college soccer player John Towers is still getting his kicks with the sport he loves.

This summer, the Redmond Ridge homeowner has been holding practices for youngsters ages 3-5 at the Redmond Ridge East Recreation Park. Come Sept. 10, kids up to 11 years old can join in the action as part of Towers’ new Redmond Ridge Soccer Academy.

The one-hour Saturday sessions are all about getting kids into soccer, developing their skills and having fun, said Towers, a 36-year-old chiropractor at Towers Family Chiropractic. There are no matches and Towers said he’ll have kids focus on physicality, strength, coordination, balance and reflexes.

Towers added that players can also develop their minds by working with teammates, become comfortable inside their bodies and come out of their shells by talking loud in front of a group.

“Youth sports is about getting you ready for life situations,” said Towers, who was a soccer referee for 25 years, from the youth ranks to being an assistant in some professional practice matches. He played four years of varsity soccer at Sedro-Woolley High and one year at Skagit Valley Community College.

For the older kids, they will develop a “respect for authority,” said Towers, who witnessed a lot of disrespect for referees during his time on the field.

High school athletes will coach the players and adult mentors or a head coach will attend each session.

“It’s good for them to work with young kids,” Towers said of the high school volunteers, who will learn life lessons, as well. Towers encourages parents to volunteer at practices, too, and see how their kids are taking to the sport.

Towers has two boys, ages 1 and 4, and the oldest boy participates in the practices.

He said that when members of the Redmond Ridge Homeowners Association discovered that he was working with youngsters this summer, they suggested he expand his sessions and include older players.

For the upcoming sessions, Towers — who has a U.S. Soccer E license coaching credential — plans to attract players from Redmond Ridge, other Redmond areas, Woodinville, Duvall and Carnation. The academy is for profit with some of the money going back into the program.

Practice sessions are scheduled during the following time frames:

• Sept. 10-Nov. 26

• Dec. 3-Feb. 25 (2017)

• March 4-May 27 (2017)

• June 3-Aug. 26 (2017)

For more information, visit www.redmondridgesocceracademy.com or email redmondridgesocceracademy@gmail.com